Call to tackle anti-social behaviour at beauty spot

Residents have complained of anti-social behaviour and drug dealing around Earlswood Lakes

Residents living near a beauty spot have demanded more help from police and the local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.

People have complained of gangs of youths gathering in cars most evenings at Earlswood Lakes, on the border of Warwickshire and Solihull, and said it had been blighting their lives for many years.

One resident told the BBC how they witnessed open drug dealing, drinking and drug-driving, and cars blocking the single-track road.

Warwickshire Police has pledged to do more and promised to improve communications with neighbouring forces.

Earlswood Lakes, in Warwickshire, is made up of three 22-acre reservoirs

Resident Samantha Franks said she had seen people taking and dealing drugs and setting off fireworks while driving.

"There have been several occasions where they've actually crashed into barriers, where pedestrians are meant to be safe, so this is just a small example of behaviours that go on here," she added.

Those living nearby said they had reported their concerns to local councillors and the police but said they were getting nowhere.

"We've had many meetings... to talk about it in-depth, in detail, showing them what goes on," said Mark Franks.

"And the most they could ever offer us is some sporadic extra police patrols, which has done absolutely nothing to quell what goes on here."

Police and local authorities pledged to do more at a recent public meeting

At a recent public meeting organised by the local MP Manuela Perteghella, residents also demanded the closure of the road around the lake or for it to be made residents-only.

"We have to have some way of stopping people doing what they're doing and wrecking our lives," said resident June Stevenson-Taylor.

Liberal Democrat Perteghella told the BBC she wanted to see more "concrete actions" long-term.

"Short term is fine but how [do] we go forward long-term because residents have suffered for far too long," she added.

Ch Insp Simon Ryan, of Warwickshire Police, said the force had done a lot to tackle anti-social behaviour and described it as a "true partnership approach".

"We do need to work... with members of the community as well and just having that one true voice where we can actually make something a real difference for them," he added.